Can Joe Philbin solve the Colts offensive line woes?

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Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre addresses the crowd during halftime of the NFL game against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers, 2003-2007 – Favre Era

2003 – 2nd in run blocking, 5th in pass protection
- Colts – 10th in run blocking, 2nd pass protection
2004 – 12th in run blocking, 1st in pass protection
- Colts – 1st in run blocking, 2nd in pass protection
2005 – 28th in run blocking, 7th in pass protection
- Colts – 3rd in run blocking, 1st in pass protection
2006 – 16th in run blocking, 3rd in pass protection
- Colts – 5th in run blocking, 1st in pass protection
2007 – 26th in run blocking, 1st in pass protection
- Colts – 4th in run blocking, 5th in pass protection

During Philbin’s years coaching Favre (either his line or as his offensive coordinator), Favre had the lowest sack percentage of his career at 3.18 percent. That isn’t just an aggregate either, those five seasons are the five lowest of his 20 years in the NFL.

A few things stand out from these numbers. For one, these are the peak years for the Colts offensive line with players like Tarik Glenn and Jeff Saturday. The Colts also had Edgerrin James for the first three years, and then a dangerous combo of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai for the final two. The Packers didn’t have great running backs during this time frame.

Samkon Gado led the Packers in rushing with 582 rushing yards in 2005. Ahman Green had three 1,000-plus yard seasons during Philbin’s tenure as well.

Both teams also feature a top tier QB, which means the pass protection is slightly skewed. Favre and Peyton Manning make the lives of linemen much easier due to their ability to get the ball out so quickly.

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